Student Leadership Opportunities

There are a number of ways for students to get involved and even attain leadership positions in their residence halls.

Resident Assistant (RA)

A Resident Assistant (RA) is a student who lives in a Marist residential area/hall and acts as a resource and role model for the students in their residence area. RAs play a key role in creating an environment for students that is conducive to academic, personal, and social growth. RAs develop social and educational programs for their residents to build community and to complement classroom learning. An RA is a resource, mentor, and community leader in their residence area.

RAs serve a diverse student population, and clearly demonstrate an understanding of multiculturalism. The ultimate goal of the RA is to serve as an advocate for students by helping them grow and develop beyond their classroom experiences.

As a student employee of Marist College, the RA is responsible for supporting and pursuing the goals and objectives of the Office of Housing and Residential Life. RA’s are expected to be role models by behaving in a mature and responsible manner, using good judgment and abiding by institutional policies.

Application information for the RA position is available within the first few weeks of each semester on the Housing and Residential Life section of the MyMarist website.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

The primary mission of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) is to cultivate a sense of community in the residence areas by funding, creating, and implementing a variety of social programs. It is the parent organization for individual residence area governments, or Residence Hall Council (RHC). RHA serves as a liaison for residents, as well as helps to develop the leadership skills and professionalism of its members.

RHA Events

• Residence Hall-oween: annual trick-or-treat event with featured booths with various activities geared towards children and families in the Hudson Valley, including face painting, mummy wrapping, pumpkin tosses, and various other Halloween arts and crafts. There is also a costume contest with different categories and prizes. This event is free and open to the public.
• Fundraising/participation in annual the Department of Spiritual Life and Service's Giving Tree event to help those in the local community: during the holiday season, students of all faiths and backgrounds come together to buy gifts for children and families in need in the Hudson Valley.
• FoxFest is a yearly spring semester fair and barbeque that is held on the Campus Green. Each year there is a different theme with corresponding booths and games along with food.

Residence Hall Council (RHC)

Residence Hall Council (RHC) is a student-run governing board in each of the residence areas that works under Residence Hall Association and aims to give students the best possible experience in their residence area. This organization actively works to improve residential living by serving as a resource for residents’ voices to be heard.

RHC works closely with the Residence Hall Association, Resident Assistants, and Resident Directors to host numerous events and programs throughout the year designed to build community and foster social connections. These events and programs require an active and committed student body willing to serve in leadership roles. By joining RHC, students have the opportunity to participate in the brainstorming, planning, implementation, and evaluation of what they would like to see occur in the residence areas. All residents are encouraged to join!

NEACURH & NACURH Delegations

North East Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NEACURH) and National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) are yearly student-run conferences that give student leaders the opportunity to network with other students from colleges and universities, as well as to share resources and ideas that are pertinent to building and improving the quality of life for students living in residence. By becoming a Marist delegate for these conferences, students earn the opportunity to showcase their leadership skills, make lifelong connections, and travel.

National Residence Hall Association (NRHH)

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is a very selective organization with over 370 chapters at colleges and universities throughout North America. The NRHH is just one example of the many programs and groups that allow us to showcase the exemplary work of our Red Foxes. As a representation of the top 1% of our student leaders involved in residence life, members of the NRHH Red Fox chapter work to recognize and support the outstanding efforts of our students, faculty, staff, administration, organizations, and programs on campus. By submitting regular “Of The Month” awards (OTMs for short) to a regional committee, our members recognize and support the amazing achievements of our Marist Community, while earning the chance to be awarded on the national level. Members also have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills by being a part of this elite on-campus organization.

Other Leadership Opportunities and Campus Involvement

At Marist, there are over 90 different student clubs and organizations to choose from. Getting and staying involved is one of the most important things you can do while in college. “Involvement” is any activity outside the classroom which enhances and contributes to student learning. Being involved can take many forms, from being a member of student government, a fraternity or sorority, or conducting research with a faculty member. More information about other leadership and campus involvement can be found on the Student Involvement page.

Learn more about Housing & Residential Life staff >>